Imaging Pixel Light-Blocking Layer for Extinction Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
In imaging elements with a configuration where some pixels have a polarizer and others do not, adjacent pixels with and without polarizers can lead to degradation of the extinction ratio due to light beam interference, causing errors in polarization component information.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a material layer in pixels without polarizers that prevents the transmission of specific wavelengths of light, reducing light interference and improving the extinction ratio in pixels with polarizers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a polarizer is placed in some pixels to acquire polarization information, then polarization component information can be obtained, but light beams from adjacent pixels without polarizers reach the pixel with polarizer and degrade the extinction ratio
Solution Approach 1:
A light-blocking layer is introduced as an intermediary element between adjacent pixels. This layer selectively blocks light beams from pixels without polarizers from reaching pixels with polarizers, thereby preventing degradation of the extinction ratio while preserving the polarization information acquisition capability. The light-blocking layer acts as a mediator that resolves the interference issue without eliminating the functional difference between polarized and non-polarized pixels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pixels with and without polarizers are arranged adjacently to enable polarization detection, then polarization information can be acquired, but color mixture occurs in pixels with polarizers
Solution Approach 1:
The light-blocking layer serves as a mediator that prevents light beams from adjacent pixels without polarizers from reaching pixels with polarizers. This eliminates color mixture in the polarized pixels while preserving the ability to acquire polarization information, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If no light-blocking structure is added to maintain simple device structure, then manufacturing is easier, but extinction ratio degradation occurs due to light interference
Solution Approach 1:
The light-blocking layer changes the optical parameters of the pixel array by selectively blocking light beams in specific wavelength ranges. This simple structural addition effectively prevents extinction ratio degradation while maintaining ease of manufacture, as the light-blocking layer can be integrated into the existing pixel structure without complex modifications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The material layer effectively reduces light beam interference, enhancing the extinction ratio and accuracy of polarization component information in imaging elements.
Implementation Method 1
at least some of pixels having no polarizer placed therein each have a material layer placed therein that prevents transmission of a light beam having a wavelength of a predetermined range
Implementation Method 2
some of the plurality of pixels each have a polarizer placed therein on a side of a light beam incidence plane
Data Source
AI summary
In an imaging element, a plurality of pixels each having a photoelectric conversion part is arranged in a two-dimensional matrix. Some of the plurality of pixels each have a polarizer placed therein on a side of a light beam incidence plane. At least some of pixels having no polarizer placed therein each have a material layer placed therein that prevents transmission of a light beam having a wavelength of a predetermined range, to reduce color mixture in the pixel having the polarizer placed therein.